Comments on: Richard (Dick) G. Olson

By: Luke Gunderson

Luke Gunderson — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 00:46:46 +0000

I first met Dr. Olson during my first semester of graduate school at CGU. I studied history, and he offered an Enlightenment History class at the exact same day/time as a required course. I emailed him, met him in his office, and he suggested that I take the same course in his office as an “independent study” the next semester. I took and completed the course the next semester, and he graciously offered his time, energy, and expertise without any additional compensation from CGU or HMC. That story sums up everything I came to know about Dr. Olson: he loved to teach, loved scholarship, and was extraordinarily welcoming and supportive of young people looking for a break. He was a rigorous but friendly teacher and a wonderful human being. I made sure to visit him on campus each year after I graduated, and he always remembered me and offered advice on next steps in my own academic career. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing and wish the best for his family and his Claremont community.

By: Joe Barrera '62

Joe Barrera '62 — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 00:02:56 +0000

We all miss Dick. We had some great times in those early years at Mudd and all the years following.
Great mind, good friend and a true scholar.

By: Don Holmgren

Don Holmgren — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:08:52 +0000

I very fondly remember taking the two semester History of Science sequence from Prof. Olsen, including the oral finals in his office (gulp!). He was a very gifted teacher. Our senior year, one of the end of year pranks was breaking into various difficult places and placing stickers that said “Inspected and Rejected by ASHMC Secret Police” or “Inspected and Accepted by ASHMC Secret Police”. I don’t recall where the sticker was placed, maybe a locked drawer in Prof. Olsen’s office, but he received a coveted “Inspected and Accepted …” sticker. He was quite proud of it!

By: Dan Pryma

Dan Pryma — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:07:48 +0000

It goes without saying that HMC provides a rigorous science and engineering education but one of the unique hallmarks of the College is the teaching of the incredible effects of science and technology on society. Prof. Olson was the embodiment of this. Another hallmark of HMC is the small student body with incredibly approachable faculty whose involvement with the students goes far beyond the classroom. Prof. Olson shined here as well. I fondly remember some Thursday mornings at Marshall Canyon golf course processing what we learned in class through discussion over 18 holes. What a great loss for the College and for his family. He will be missed.

By: Dana Seaton

Dana Seaton — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:46:37 +0000

His class was paradigm shifting! Of course I was only in it as a requirement, but it was one of my most memorable classes during my time there. I remember feeling surprise and sometimes relief upon reading and discussing some of the assigned texts – some highlighted education that I never knew before (most notably how some aspects of intro biology are taught incorrectly in high schools), and others explained so much of my experience in ��Ƶ. You will be missed, Prof. Olson!

By: Holly Hauck

Holly Hauck — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:56:23 +0000

I worked with Dick in HSA for eight years and then had the privilege to see him often on the 4th floor of Sprague after he retired. What amazed me about Dick was that he kept on going and never complained. He was a kind and thoughtful person. He and Kathy always remembered the DOF staff during the holidays which meant a lot to me. I remember the time when I broke my shoulder and he was so encouraging through rehab that everything would be better as he had been there himself with all the different colored stretch bands and exercises. He is so much a part of HMC’s history, and we will all feel his loss very deeply.

By: Lisa Sullivan

Lisa Sullivan — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 22:40:21 +0000

Dick was a dear colleague, kind mentor, and good friend to many at Harvey Mudd and beyond. He will be sorely missed.